In a tragic incident, eight people lost their lives after an SUV veered off the road and plunged into a deep gorge in Maharashtra's Raigad district. The accident took place near Khopoli on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway late on Sunday night.
Details of the Accident
The SUV, which was traveling from Mumbai towards Pune, lost control and crashed through the safety barrier before falling into the gorge. The vehicle was found badly mangled at the bottom of the ravine, and rescue teams had to work carefully to extract the bodies. According to local police officials, the deceased include five men, two women, and a child. Their identities have not been released yet pending family notification.
Rescue and Investigation
Emergency services, including fire brigade personnel and police, arrived at the scene shortly after the accident was reported. The rescue operation was hampered by the difficult terrain and darkness. The bodies were sent to a nearby hospital for post-mortem examination. Preliminary investigations suggest that the driver may have lost control due to excessive speed or a mechanical failure. Authorities are also checking if the vehicle was overloaded. The Mumbai-Pune Expressway, a major artery connecting the two cities, has witnessed several accidents in the past, often attributed to overspeeding and driver negligence.
Government Response
Maharashtra Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased. He also directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for any injured. The state transport department has been asked to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and submit a report. Meanwhile, road safety activists have reiterated demands for better safety measures on the expressway, including more barriers, speed breakers, and surveillance cameras.
This accident comes as a grim reminder of the perils of road travel, especially on high-speed corridors. Authorities urge drivers to exercise caution and adhere to traffic rules to prevent such tragedies.
